What an opener. How about an encore? The Phillies will face off against left-hander Martin Perez following their 14-run outburst on Monday. One thing to keep an eye on with the offense is their ability to work deeper counts against the lefty starter, something they did well against Tanner Scheppers yesterday.

But the story for today’s game is not so much the offense – although we’ll all be waiting to see if more fireworks can be lit – but their new starting pitcher A.J. Burnett. Not to put too much pressure on him, but with Cole Hamels out, Burnett will have to pick up the slack. Last season, Burnett went 10-11 with a 3.30 ERA. He also led the NL in K/9. He’ll need to be every bit as good this year as he was last with the Pirates.

Seriously Mo? They faced one of the games best young lefties, so yes IMO a good manager “changes” (not shakes up) his lineup to best position his team to win.

Listen, I was none too kind toward Sandberg in ST for his poor public actions in the Jimmy Rollins situation. But last night? He did the exact right thing with that lineup in my opinion. Splitting Utley and Howard had the right effect when Howard drilled that ball to right field after Byrd singled. It could have worked again after Byrd was intentionally walked if Howard could have repeated that. But then again, asking a player who already has a tough time against lefties to hit .500 in those games is asking an awful lot. He already beat the odds and got the RBI double. Would he have a better chance to hit .500 batting clean up? I think we’ve already seen that play. Byrd is a very good choice to be the 4 hole hitter to split those guys up vs tough lefties.